What are some of your concerns and questions you have about using technology and Web 2.0 tools in your classroom?
For example, my concern are the barriers I encounter when introducing tools to my teachers in my district. Sometimes, the tools are not accessible to the teachers in their classroom because of the web filtering system we have in place. I have to test out sites and tools that I want to use with them to make sure they will work before using them in my workshops. The teachers then have to make sure that students can access the websites as well because of the different web filtering rules for faculty versus students.
I am very into using technology in the classroom when allowed. I'm moving into a new Integrated Kindergarten classroom this year and I'm not sure how receptive the K teacher will be towards technology. She is not using computers in her room at this time.
ReplyDeleteWe in Warwick do have web filtering and accessing sites can be difficult. I test sites before offering them up to teachers. We can however request that a site be unblocked and the IT people usually fulfill the request.
I have been working with the IT department teaching web page design this year. Most of the teachers attending have been receptive others not so much because they lack confidence and knowledge. I have made myself available by email and phone which has been helpful to the teachers who have taken the workshops.
I have always been interested in using technology to enhance instruction and involve all students in learning. Kids at my level (gr.4) love using the computer for any reason at all. We have gone on virtual tours, have had pen-pals with students on the other side of the world. I have tried web-quests (actually made one) but...I just feel frustrated that I am not making the best use of time and need more instruction on blogging. Kids come from such diverse backgrounds and I find this is also a hinderance when giving kids opportunities at the computer. How to make it work for 22 kids and parents is tricky. I'm hoping this class can help me close the gap!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to trying to use the computers more with my class. I have moved from 5th grade to 6th this year, so I know what level of comfort most of my students have with technology. I am concerned about accessing some of these sites due to our filtering system, and the lack of technology and support at home.
ReplyDeleteI am very glad that I decided to be participate in this class. I am learning so much in just hours. I can't wait to use the technology in my classroom. I will hope to use it for my webpage to introduce students to my class as well as for homework and cool math things too.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I think my district does not allow teachers or students to do it. Not to mention, our computer lab is hard to get into (availability) and they frequently freeze.
Also, I am not comfortable with it the technology yet. I am getting there but I will need a lot more practice before I introduce it to my students
I believe there are inconsistencies between what they are teaching at the college level and what we can actually implement in the K-12 reality. For example, the laws governing the use of online resources in schools prevent teachers for providing or requiring the use of external free email accounts for the students. The solution for solving this problems lies with the districts ability to have in-house email accounts for the students however; the assumption is that the districts have the money to support such an endeavor. Once the students have email accounts, they are still restricted access for these sights due to the same law that governs email accounts. I realize that as the student gets older (enters high school) these laws due seam to diminish and the ownership begins to be placed back on the student as well as the parents. There also comes into play that the advertisements that we see on these free email sights prevents teachers from requiring students to use these types of accounts. Since we are not allowing businesses to advertise on school base systems, we certainly cannot use free sites that also use advertisements. I believe that the colleges need to take these circumstances into consideration before they implement training that cannot be implemented at least at the middle school level. Although I am very excited about these types of resources available, my frustrations lie with my concern that I will not be allowed to use these resources because my district will not allow it. Furthermore, without proper policies governing these types of uses the teacher seams to have all the risk. The solution lies with the districts priorities with the use of these types of learning platforms. Once the district prioritizes the use of these resources, they must find the funds necessary to implement the plan. I believe the ultimate goal should be to create in house learning communities that would protect the students and guide them through their educational endeavor.
ReplyDelete